Clyde Romaine Sechrist

On January 18, 2007, Clyde Romaine Sechrist, 70, passed away suddenly in New York City, New York, while visiting his oncologist to determine his next course of treatment.

Romaine was born in Roaring Branch, PA. on May 28, 1936. He was the son of William Clyde and Leora Ophelia (Tebo) Sechrist. He graduated from Canton High School in 1954.

While attending high school, he fell in love with Betty Louise Kerrick and convinced her to marry him on June 10, 1956.

Romaine served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1958. He returned to Canton in 1958 and began a farming career that lasted over 35 years.

Romaine enjoyed a good story, a good cigarette, a good joke, a good peanut brittle and a good book about the old west or a war. He loved farming with his sons, drinking coffee at Landon's Cedar Ledge, playing golf, annual get-togethers with his sisters and their husbands (especially at Kay's cabin), traveling to Florida for the winter and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Romaine is survived by his wife of 50 years, Betty; six children, Terrie Sechrist (Jeff Minkoff) of Houston, Tex; Tom (Laurie) of Albany, Ga.; Jeff (Angie) of Canton, Pa.; Ronnie (Dawn) of Advance, N.C.; Amy Ganter (Shawn) of Reading, Pa. and Cathy Cashner (Jeff) of Danville, Pa. Also 14 grandchildren; Lauren and Landon Gerlich and Nicholas Minkoff of Houston; Sherrie Pippin (Tommy) of Valdosta, Ga., and Katie Sechrist of Albany, Ga.; Tyler Sechrist and Jill Ward (Jason) of Canton; Caitlyn Sechrist of Advance, N.C.; Julia and Reese Ganter of Reading and Taylor, Laura, Lindsey and Wyatt Cashner of Danville. Four great-grandchildren, Hayden, Hudson and Holden (due in February) Ward and William Pippin (due in March). Two sisters, Julia (Paul) Landon of Tunkhannock, Pa. and Kay (Dale) Groover of Newark, N.J.; a brother-in-law, John (Janet) Kerrick of Roaring Branch, Pa.; 11 nieces and nephews and countless other friends and relatives.

In addition to his parents, Romaine was predeceased by his stepmother, Evelyn VanDyke Shedden Sechrist.

The family is especially thankful for the excellent care provided to Romaine by Dr. Husband in Canton, Dr. Hani Tuffaha in Williamsport, Dr. Lauren Abrey and staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York and the emergency room staff at New York Presbyterian Hospital. The family also appreciates Majo Prazenec at Miracle House for providing an apartment for Betty to stay while in New York during Romaine's cancer treatments.

The family also wants to express appreciation to Mill Hill Manor for hosting a wonderful 50th wedding anniversary party in June, to the East Canton and Ward United Methodist Churches for hosting a benefit dinner and for making two beautiful quilts that Romaine used every day, and everyone who laughed with, cried with and supported Romaine throughout his life, especially the last six months.

At Romaine's request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be sent to Miracle House at 80 Eighth Ave. New York, NY 10011 or www.miraclehouse.org. Pepper Funeral Home in Canton is assisting the family with arrangements.